Stage 3: Curves, Culture and Precision – A Day in Curitiba

Michael Poepke | 27. February 2026

There are cities that you simply pass through.  And there are cities that make you pause.

Curitiba belongs to the second kind…. Today, the igus:bike reached one of the most iconic landmarks of Brazilian architecture: the Oscar Niemeyer Museum.

Standing in front of the museum’s famous “Eye,” it becomes clear that this is more than a building. It is a statement. Named after Oscar Niemeyer, one of the greatest architects of the 20th century, the museum reflects a philosophy that feels surprisingly close to engineering.

Niemeyer believed that architecture should surprise.
 That it should move people emotionally.
 That straight lines were too rigid… and that real beauty lives in curves.

Concrete, shaped with courage.

And maybe that is where the connection begins.

Because innovation, whether in architecture or industry, also demands courage. The courage to leave the obvious behind. The courage to question what has always been done. The courage to design something better.

From modernist concrete to cultural heritage, the journey continued to Praça do Japão.

This peaceful space honors the Japanese immigrants who arrived in Paraná in 1910. With its Tea House, memorial structures and carefully maintained gardens, it tells a story of identity, resilience and contribution.

Curitiba carries one of the largest Japanese communities in Brazil — and walking through the square reminds us that development is never only technical.

It is also cultural.  It is historical.  It is human.

And then, as the sun began to lower, the igus:bike arrived somewhere where precision replaces poetry — but the spirit of innovation remains just as strong.

At Motomco, technology serves the agricultural chain with accuracy that directly impacts harvest decisions, storage safety and export quality.

Inside their equipment, multiple sensors work together — weight, temperature, density, capacitive systems — all designed to determine the correct moment to harvest, dry, store and commercialize grains.

In these environments, dust is constant. Temperature fluctuates. Conditions are harsh.

Mechanical reliability is not optional.

Daniel Martins, Production Manager at Motomco, shared how igus components contribute to this reality. Self-lubricating solutions eliminate the need for external lubrication. Lightweight parts reduce vibration. Components resist dirt accumulation.

Small design decisions. Big operational impact. Greater durability. Reduced maintenance.
 Higher precision in measurement results…. But what stood out most was not only the technical partnership.

It was culture.

At Motomco, innovation is not a department. It is embedded in their Culture Playbook. It is supported by research and development. It is driven by the understanding that agriculture today demands connectivity, data and intelligent decision-making.

From analogue devices to digital systems.
 From isolated equipment to connected solutions.
 From measurement to insight.

As the igus:bike continues through Paraná, Stage 3 revealed something powerful:

Innovation has many shapes.

It can be a bold curve of exposed concrete.
 It can be a cultural square preserving memory.
 It can be a self-lubricating bearing working silently inside a grain analysis system.

City. Culture. Industry.

Different landscapes.
 Same purpose.

And with more kilometres ahead, the journey continues.

Our riders:

Miriam Araldi – Marketing Analyst at igus do Brasil 

My name is Miriam, I am 28 years old, and I have been part of the marketing team at igus Brazil since 2017. Looking back, it’s incredible to see how quickly time has passed and how much we have evolved since I started this journey at 19.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to closely follow the expansion of our brand in the Brazilian market. In marketing, my focus has been on the strategic prospecting of new clients through industrial campaigns and the organization of events that connect our solutions directly to our partners’ challenges. Seeing igus grow and knowing that I am one of the “entry points” for new clients to discover our technology is what motivates me every day.

I truly believe in our solution-driven mindset and our commitment to simplifying industrial processes through our products. A lot has evolved since I joined in 2017, but the partnership within the team and the technical quality of what we deliver remain our core pillars.

Marcelo Fialkowski – FGBU Specialist at igus do Brasil 

My name is Marcelo Fialkowski, and I have been part of igus Brazil since 2016.

Over the past three years, I have been responsible for the FGBU product line nationwide, overseeing six business units with high growth potential and applications across multiple industrial segments.

I began my journey with the drytech team, where I was responsible for the entire state of Paraná. With the region’s consistent growth, we structured the expansion of the team and now have three dedicated technical consultants supporting our local customers.

After 10 years representing igus, I remain motivated by constant innovation and by the challenge of driving new business, always focused on sustainable growth and value creation for the market.

Gabriel Volpato – Marketing analyst

My name is Gabriel, and I have been part of the igus Brazil marketing team since 2020, when I joined the company as an apprentice. Since then, I’ve had the opportunity to grow alongside the company and evolve within the marketing area.

Today, I work with graphic design, video editing, and digital marketing initiatives, helping transform ideas into visual experiences that communicate the igus purpose. I enjoy being hands-on, learning new skills, and taking on challenges with enthusiasm, whether behind a camera, at the computer, or on the road.

Accompanying the igus Bike Tour throughout its entire journey is a unique opportunity for me to tell real stories, capture meaningful moments, and showcase how our brand connects with people, places, and innovation.

I am truly excited to be part of this experience and to help ensure that every stage of the tour becomes a memorable chapter in our story.

Map of this stage: